The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has launched the second phase of its revised certification path for architects without a degree from an accredited program. This newest path comes as part of a multi-year effort to streamline NCARB programs and initiatives to be more inclusive of individuals outside of the traditional path to licensure, while maintaining the rigor necessary to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Through the new NCARB Certificate Portfolio, architects licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction who hold any education other than an architecture-related degree—including those who do not have a college degree—can satisfy the Certificate’s education requirement by completing an online portfolio documenting learning through experience. The first phase, which launched in February 2017, enables architects with a four-year, architecture-related degree to satisfy the same requirement by documenting two times the Architectural Experience Program’s™ (AXP™) hours.
“Professional mobility is a goal of many practicing architects,” said NCARB President Kristine A. Harding, NCARB, AIA. “This revised path makes that goal achievable for a broader range of licensed individuals, while maintaining the quality standards expected by our boards and the public.” Together, these alternative paths form the successor to the Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program, which was retired in 2016.
The NCARB Certificate is a valuable credential for architects that facilitates reciprocal licensure across the 54 U.S. jurisdictions and several countries, among other benefits. To qualify for certification, applicants must meet the NCARB Education Standard, traditionally done by earning a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Both the NCARB Certificate Portfolio and two times AXP option are offered at no additional charge to active NCARB Record holders and eliminates the BEA’s $5,000 review fee. It also facilitates a shorter, more objective review process than the previous program, allowing applicants to link exhibits in the portfolio to specific areas outlined in the NCARB Education Standard. Applicants will also need to meet NCARB’s experience and examination requirements to earn an NCARB Certificate.
U.S. architects interested in pursuing certification through the portfolio must have at least three years of continuous licensure in any U.S. jurisdiction without disciplinary action, and fall into one of two categories:
-
Architects with post-secondary education who have obtained 64 or more semester credit hours. These applicants are required to obtain an EESA evaluation and submit a portfolio to address any deficiencies.
-
Architects with less than 64 semester credit hours of post-secondary education. These applicants are not required to obtain an EESA and must address all education requirements through a portfolio.
Related Stories
| Sep 19, 2012
HGA Architects & Engineers moves offices in San Francisco
HGA’s San Francisco office has grown by nearly 25% in the past two years, adding shared expertise to the 120-person California practice, which includes the Sacramento and Los Angeles offices.
| Sep 19, 2012
Sasaki opens office in Shanghai
Office supports firm’s present and future work in China, throughout Asia.
| Sep 18, 2012
MBMA partners with ORNL for whole building energy efficiency study
The results are intended to advance energy efficiency solutions for new and retrofit applications.
| Sep 18, 2012
MKK opens office in North Dakota
MKK is currently working on seven projects in North Dakota, including a hotel, restaurant, truck stop, office building, and apartment complex.
| Sep 18, 2012
Firestone Building Products launches new website
Deep product information and innovative customer support tools are highlights.
| Sep 13, 2012
Leo A Daly Company promotes Kraskiewicz to senior vice president
Kraskiewicz, who most recently served as chief operations officer for the Leo A Daly division, will guide brand management, business development, operations and financial performance for 18 offices worldwide.
| Sep 13, 2012
Acentech adds audiovisual expertise to Trevose, Penn. office
Artese focuses on advising, overseeing, and maintaining the client’s vision for the project from the initial kick-off meeting to the final commissioning of the completed systems.
| Sep 13, 2012
Margulies Perruzzi Architects completes office design for Pioneer Investments
MPA updated the office design and additional support space consisting of five floors at Pioneer’s Boston office located at 60 State Street.
| Sep 12, 2012
Harvesting new ways to eliminate waste at the USDA
After installing 20 high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers in restrooms throughout the USDA headquarters; the USDA reports seeing an immediate 50% reduction in the use of paper towels.
| Sep 11, 2012
RTKL appoints Lance Hosey as Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President
Author and authority on green design to spearhead RTKL Performance-driven DesignSM initiative.
